NEV COULD BE NOU MAN

BY JAMES NURSEY

WOLVES boss Bruno Lage understands why Barcelona have been linked with Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese midfielder has been in fine form this season and with just two years left on his contract this summer he has been linked with several top clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal.

It has prompted Wolves’ scouts to start drawing up a list of potential new midfielders, as Joao Moutinho is also out of contract. Since moving to

Molineux in 2017 from Porto for £15.8million, Neves (left) has established himself as one of the club’s most popular and consistent players.

Lage said: “If I was at a top club I would look for this kind of player – a top man and a top player. That is what all the clubs want.

“It is no surprise to me after what Ruben did this season and how important he is for our team. He puts us on a different level. It is not a surprise other teams are looking.

“If he stays I believe he will be the same professional with the mindset to have another great season with Wolves. But in the summer some players will go for sure. It is not the right moment to talk about it.

“We have some gaps we need to fill and if someone special goes we need to replace them.”

Lage will be back in the dug-out tomorrow after missing Wolves’ previous two games following a positive Covid test. He said: “It is good to be back. I had no symptoms but just tested positive. Not to be part of the action was the most difficult thing.”

Lage has also opened the door for Adama Traore, on loan at Barcelona, to come back for pre-season training in the final year of his contract.”